If you’re searching for the Best Jam Cookies to bake at home, you’re in the right place. These jam‑filled cookies are buttery, sweet, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you love jam sandwiches or heart‑shaped cookies for special occasions, this guide walks you through how to make jam cookies that taste amazing and look beautiful.
What Makes Jam Cookies So Good
Jam cookies combine a tender shortbread base with a fruity center of jam. Sometimes called Linzer cookies, they’re wonderfully simple yet feel special. You’ll love how the jam peeks through cutouts in the cookie tops — especially when you bake them for holidays or celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best jam cookies, gather:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup icing sugar, sifted (plus extra for dusting)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour, sifted
- ½ cup high‑quality strawberry jam
Short ingredient lists like this are perfect for home bakers — and you can swap strawberry for raspberry, fig, cherry, or apricot jam to change the flavor.
How to Make Jam Cookies (Step by Step)
Here’s a simple breakdown to get perfectly baked jam cookies every time:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter, icing sugar, salt, and vanilla until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes.
- Add the flour and mix until dough begins to form.
- Knead briefly with your hands, form a ball, wrap it, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles using a cookie cutter and cut shapes like hearts in half of them.
- Place cookies on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
- Bake until the edges are light golden — about 15–20 minutes.
- Let cookies cool. Dust the cutout cookies with icing sugar.
- Spread jam on the bottom cookies and place the dusted tops on top.
Pro Tips for Bakery‑Style Jam Cookies
For the best results:
- Use high‑quality jam — the flavor really matters.
- Butter should be soft but not melted so your dough mixes well.
- Sift the flour and sugar for a smoother dough.
- Work quickly when rolling out the dough — the butter warms up fast.
- Have fun with shapes — hearts, stars, flowers — especially for holidays.
These techniques help you make cookies that are crisp on the edges and tender inside.
Storing & Freezing Your Cookies
Jam cookies keep really well:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months in a sealed container or zip‑top bag. Thaw to room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Related Cookie Ideas to Try
Irresistibly Soft Mini Red Velvet Cakes for Your Sweet Cravings
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies for a Sweet Valentine’s Treat
Indulge in This Creamy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Irresistible Red Velvet Cake Minis for Sweet Celebrations
Best Jam Cookies: A Classic Homemade Treat You’ll Crave
Description
These Best Jam Cookies feature buttery shortbread and sweet strawberry jam, making them a classic treat that’s perfect for holidays, gifting, or an afternoon with tea. They’re easy to make, fun to shape, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup icing sugar, sifted (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup high-quality strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter, icing sugar, salt, and vanilla until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes.
- Add flour and mix until dough begins to form.
- Knead briefly, form into a ball, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles and cut shapes (like hearts) in half of them.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
- Dust the cutout tops with icing sugar.
- Spread jam on the full cookies and top with the dusted cookies.
Notes
Use high-quality jam for best flavor. Store at room temperature for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Swap strawberry jam with raspberry, cherry, or apricot for variety.
Why You’ll Love These Jam Cookies
Best Jam Cookies are easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for gift boxes and gatherings. They’re buttery, fruity, and perfect with tea or coffee. Plus, they make baking fun for everyone — kids included.